Messerschmitt Me262

The Messerschmitt Me 262 was the World's first turbojet combat aircraft, entering service in 1944. Its origins lay in a technical requirement issued by the German Air Ministry in 1938. German scientists had run their first jet engine in 1936, just two months after Sir Frank Whittle's pioneering prototype but, unlike Whittle, they were not starved of funds and by 1938 Heinkel had flown their He 118, the World's first jet powered aircraft. The Air Ministry did not approve of Heinkel dabbling in engine building and without official backing their project foundered.
Meanwhile, both Junkers and BMW were developing advanced axial flow turbojets and Messerschmitt were tasked with providing an airframe. Early engines were low-powered and unreliable, so Messerschmitt's choice of a twin engine layout was inevitable and as with any 'cutting edge' development, the project had its share of setbacks. Much has been written of Hitler's interference in the project, insisting the new aircraft be converted to a fast bomber, but as David Baker shows, this is a myth and the aeroplane was designed from the start as a multi-role aircraft.
The Me 262 was a victim of its time, prevented from showing its full worth due to its protracted development, engine problems and a severe shortage of fuel. Those who were able to fly showed the aircraft to be both manouverable and fast, a real 'pilot's aeroplane'.
Post-war it was of great interest to all of the Allies and examples were rigorously tested, providing a wealth of data for the new generation of aircraft that emerged during the 1950s and 60s.


by David Baker
Published by Crowood 1997 1st edition. 160pp profusely illustrated, index, appendix. 23x29 mint, including d/j.






Note:
"Long" descriptions, where shown, may have been taken from the book's dust jacket notes, and as such are relevant to the date of publication (e.g. any references to "new edition" "previously unpublished photographs" etc.) and not the present.

other titles which may be of interest:
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Me262 Volume 1 £26.00 find out more

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